A BRITISH schoolboy has died of dehydration after going hiking with his father in the Australian bush in temperatures up to 119F (48C).

Euan Williamson, 14, collapsed in the Cape Range National Park, Western Australia, on Friday.

The youngster, who attended Largs Academy in Ayrshire, flew out two weeks ago to spend Christmas with his 49-year-old father, who lives in Geraldton, 260 miles north of Perth.

They set out on a track along the Badjirrajirra Creek but as the day grew hotter the teenager started to struggle.

Euan collapsed in front of his father, who called the emergency services on his mobile at around 2pm.

Police and ambulance staff rushed to the scene and found Euan unconscious about 700 yards down a gully.

A spokeswoman for West Australian Police said: “His condition then deteriorated with police and ambulance officers administering CPR while conveying him on a stretcher to the ambulance.

“He was taken to Exmouth Hospital where he died in the early evening.”

She denied that the father and son had got lost, saying it was a well-known bush track, and adding: “It is not suspicious, it is just a tragic accident.”

Last night a spokesman for North Exmouthshire president Turk Shales said temperatures had hit 48C last Thursday and Friday.

He was taken to Exmouth Hospital where he died in the early evening

A spokeswoman for West Australian Police

He said: “When a wind goes south to south-west, it goes to the top of the cape and it fans like a heater. It gets very, very hot. I’m just so sorry for them. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.”

Tourism websites warn hikers that conditions on the Badjirrajirra Trail are harsh, saying it should only be attempted between April and September.

It is understood staff at Euan’s school told classmates of his death on Friday afternoon.

Last night his friends were paying tribute on Twitter.

Nicole England wrote: “R.I.P Euan Williamson! This is a tragic accident and my heart goes out to each and every family member of yours, gone but never forgotten.”